PUTRAJAYA: The Foreign Ministry is investigating the leak of a classified diplomatic note.
In a statement today, the ministry said the leaked document, dated Feb 18, 2024, was from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and was addressed to the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing.
'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs refers to an article published by a Filipino media portal dated 29 August 2024..."
"The Ministry views the leak of this document, which constitutes an official communication channel between the two countries, with grave concern. In this context, the Ministry is conducting an internal investigation into this breach of classified information," it said.
The ministry will also file a police report to enable an investigation by the relevant authorities to be undertaken promptly, it said.
"Malaysia and the People's Republic of China share close and active bilateral relations. Both countries are Comprehensive Strategic Partners and continuously initiate new efforts that could further strengthen this partnership to even greater heights," the statement added.
The two countries have pledged to resolve issues related to the South China Sea through consultation and dialogue using existing platforms, avoiding disputes and violence, it added.
Malaysia's stance on the South China Sea remains firm, said the ministry.
"Malaysia will continue to defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and interests in its maritime areas based on the 1979 Malaysia Map. This approach aligns with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982," it said.
In its efforts to ensure peace, stability and trade in the South China Sea, Malaysia will prioritise diplomatic engagement with China and other nations.
"This is in line with the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which emphasises the resolution of disputes by peaceful means and the avoidance of threats or use of force," the ministry said.
Malaysia is committed to negotiating a substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in partnership with Asean member states and China, it added.
As of August 2024, Malaysia and China are co-chairs for a three-year term overseeing the implementation of the DOC and the negotiations for the COC.